Thon Hotel Gyldenløve

Good location with easy access to the metro and other public transport. The staff were helpful, and breakfast was good and free.

The location works well for shopping and dining, and there are free hot drinks from coffee machines in both the lobby and second-floor lounge. The lounge is a handy place to relax, socialize, or eat takeout. The gym has several pieces of equipment and enough room for more than one person, and it's fine for a normal workout. Breakfast is a buffet with a good range of options. The standard rooms are extremely small. There isn't much room to move, the shower feels constricted, and your knees may touch the door when you're on the toilet. Cleanliness was below par too. There was dust on the room's surfaces, and after a few minutes walking around in black socks, the soles were white with dust and bits of debris. Bring slippers. There was wet body hair under the toilet seat, and the towels smelled musty. Rooms on the busy road get constant noise from pedestrians and electric trolleys, so light sleepers should ask for a room away from it. There's no USB charging, only standard EU outlets, so guests with non-EU electronics need an adapter.

The rooms were tight, but in Oslo you probably won't spend much time in them. The location put us right in the centre, with short walks to the royal palace, sculpture garden, the water, and the fortress. The staff were kind and helpful, especially Ala, justine, and Victoria. For location, service, and accommodation, I'd give it five stars. The complimentary breakfast was a huge spread, unlike anything I've had in the States.

Hotel Gyldenløve is well placed for locals and visitors coming from out of town. The main reason I'd book a stay there, though, is the outstanding, service-minded reception staff. It's always a pleasure to stay at Hotel Gyldenløve.